Honoring the legacy of Prof. Dr. Koentjaraningrat: A spectacular wayang orang performance commemorates the Father of Indonesian Anthropology.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Koentjaraningrat, a renowned figure known as the "Father of Indonesian Anthropology," a spectacular Wayang Orang performance titled "Gatutkaca Grants a Scholarship" took place on Thursday, June 15, 2023. 

The event, organized by the Koentjaraningrat Family, aimed to pay homage to the esteemed anthropologist and celebrate his significant contributions to Indonesian culture and anthropology.

The Wayang Orang performance, also known as Human's Puppet Performance, was held at the prestigious 'SUKO RENO SEKARING BUDHAYA' Studio under the direction of Mrs. Surip Handayani. It featured 16 talented dancers and was accompanied by 13 karawitan teams, captivating audiences with its enchanting portrayal of the classic Javanese tale of Gatutkaca.

The festivities began on June 8 with the opening of the Cultural and Arts Exhibition, marking the official start of the week-long celebration. The exhibition, aptly named the "100th Anniversary of Koentjaraningrat," was inaugurated by Mr. Hilmar Farid, Ph.D., the Director General of Culture at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. Mrs. Stien Koentjaraningrat, a representative of the extended family, was also present at the event.

Koentjaraningrat, an esteemed anthropologist, played a pivotal role in describing Indonesian history and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the development of anthropology in Indonesia. To honor his memory, a visit to his grave at the Karet Bivak Public Cemetery, coinciding with the anniversary of his passing on March 23, was held earlier this year. Today, on the centenary of his birth in 1923, the Wayang Orang Performance served as a heartfelt dedication from the extended family to Pak Koen, highlighting his deep respect and love for the world of dance and Wayang, particularly Wayang Orang.

The series of commemorations also celebrated the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of Prof. Dr. Koentjaraningrat in establishing and advancing Indonesian Anthropology. Recognized as the "Father of Indonesian Anthropology" by the Indonesian Cultural Circle (LBI), Prof. Dr. Koentjaraningrat's contributions have shaped the field and inspired generations of anthropologists.

The cultural and arts event series garnered support from various esteemed institutions and organizations that highly appreciated Prof. Dr. Koentjaraningrat's invaluable contributions. Partners and sponsors, including the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Indonesia (FISIP – UI), Kompas Gramedia, Bentara Budaya, AMINEF (American Indonesian Exchange Foundation), and Fullbright Indonesia, all joined hands to make this historic celebration possible.

The Wayang Orang performance, "Gatutkaca Grants a Scholarship," stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of Prof. Dr. Koentjaraningrat. Through the captivating art form of Wayang Orang, his profound impact on Indonesian anthropology and his passion for Javanese culture were vividly portrayed, ensuring that his contributions continue to inspire future generations.

As the curtains drew to a close on this remarkable event, the legacy of Prof. Dr. Koentjaraningrat will undoubtedly live on, forever imprinted in the hearts of those who recognize his immense contributions to Indonesian culture and anthropology.